Frank Henry Loesser (June 29, 1910, New York City – July 26, 1969, New York… Read Full Bio ↴Frank Henry Loesser (June 29, 1910, New York City – July 26, 1969, New York City) was an American composer and lyricist. He died of lung cancer at age 59.

During World War II, he wrote 1942's "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition". Formerly a successful lyricist in collaboration with other composers, this was the first song for which Loesser composed the melody in addition to the lyric.

Loesser was awarded a Grammy Award in 1961 for Best Original Cast Show Album for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.

He wrote the following Broadway musicals:

* Where's Charley? (1948) (starring Ray Bolger)
o "Once in Love With Amy"
* Guys and Dolls (1950)
o "A Bushel and a Peck"
o "Fugue for Tinhorns"
o "I'll Know"
o "If I Were A Bell", a favorite of Miles Davis, featured in recordings with John Coltrane
o "Luck Be a Lady Tonight"
* The Most Happy Fella (1956)
o "Standing on the Corner"
o "Big D"
o "Somebody Somewhere"
o "Joey, Joey"
* Greenwillow (1960)
* How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (1961)
o "I Believe In You"
o "The Brotherhood Of Man"
* Pleasures and Palaces (1965)

Some well-known songs he composed for movies and Tin Pan Alley:

* "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter (1949). This was originally a song which Loesser and his wife Lynn (born Blankenbaker) performed at parties for the private entertainment of friends. They also recorded the song for Mercury Records. Under contract to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to supply a full score for Neptune's Daughter, Loesser included this song which he had created in 1944, originally for their housewarming party.
* "Heart and Soul" (from the Paramount Short Subject A Song is Born) -- lyrics
* "I Don't Want to Walk Without You" (from the Paramount Pictures motion picture Sweater Girl)
* "Inch Worm" (from the motion picture Hans Christian Andersen)
* "(I'd Like to Get You on a) Slow Boat to China"
* "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year" (from the motion picture Christmas Holiday)
* "Thumbelina" (from Hans Christian Andersen)
* "Two Sleepy People" (music by Hoagy Carmichael, 1938)
* "What are You Doing New Year's Eve?"
* "Wonderful Copenhagen" (from Hans Christian Andersen), which is now the official song of the city of Copenhagen.

He was also the author of "The Ballad of Rodger Young".

2006 saw the release of the PBS documentary, Heart & Soul: The Life and Music of Frank Loesser.

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
Frank Loesser Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
cnd the couples we know are fondly kissing
Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?

Maybe it's much too early in the game
ch, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's, New Year's eve?

Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year, New Year's Eve?

Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of the thousand invitations you received

ch, but in case I stand one little chance

Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Frank Loesser's song "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" capture the anticipation and uncertainty of the holiday season, particularly the night of New Year's Eve. The opening lines set the scene of celebration, with ringing bells and blowing horns, where couples are joyfully engaged in kisses. The singer poses a poignant question, wondering if they will be lucky enough to be with their loved one on this special night or if they will be left feeling alone and "among the missing."

The second paragraph reflects the singer's hesitation and vulnerability. They acknowledge that it may be too early in their relationship or "the game" to ask such a question, but they proceed anyway because of their genuine curiosity. The question of "What are you doing New Year's, New Year's eve?" implies a desire to know if the person shares the same intentions or if they would spend the evening separately.

The third paragraph delves into the singer's doubts and insecurity. They acknowledge the possibility of being considered "crazy" for even suggesting that they could be chosen out of the many invitations their love interest has likely received. The line "Out of the thousand invitations you received" emphasizes the sense of competition and uncertainty surrounding this holiday. Despite these doubts, the singer is willing to take a chance, suggesting they might have a small window of opportunity to be chosen.

Finally, in the fourth paragraph, the singer recognizes that their question is like hitting the jackpot. It is as if they have put all their hopes onto this one inquiry, knowing that the answer will determine the course of their New Year's Eve. The repetition of the question, "What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?" reinforces their desire to clarify their plans and potentially be with the person they care about.

Overall, Frank Loesser's song captures the mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and vulnerability that often accompanies the holiday season, particularly New Year's Eve. It explores the fear of being left alone, the desire for connection, and the willingness to take a chance, all encompassed within the simple question of "What are you doing New Year's Eve?"

What Are You Doing New Year's EveFrank Loesser Lyrics

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
Frank Loesser Lyrics